Aarón Palacio, before the dream of confirming in Madrid with Morante: "I will always be able to tell my grandchildren that I did it from the hand of the best bullfighter in history"

Aarón Palacio, a young bullfighter from Aragon, is preparing for what could be the defining moment of his career: confirming his status as a matador with a performance in Madrid’s iconic Las Ventas arena, accompanied by José Antonio Morante de la Puebla, widely regarded as one of the greatest bullfighters in history. The event is scheduled for October 12, 2026, and marks the culmination of Palacio’s first season as a fully-fledged matador. He has already made a name for himself this year through performances in cities including Logroño, Zaragoza, Seville, Pamplona, Santander, and Marbella, where he shared the ring with Morante and other top-tier bullfighters such as José María Manzanares. Palacio took his alternative, or formal entry into the world of matadors, less than a year ago in Nîmes, France. Since then, he has steadily built a reputation through consistent performances, particularly during key festivals and events. His appearances in Zaragoza, his hometown, have been especially notable, drawing praise from both critics and fans. In addition to these local successes, he has participated in high-profile events, including televised bullfights in Marbella, which helped elevate his profile among broader audiences. The upcoming performance in Madrid represents a major milestone for Palacio. It is not just a confirmation of his status as a matador but also a symbolic gesture of mentorship, given that Morante will serve as his padrino, or godfather, in the traditional sense of the bullfighting world. This relationship adds weight to the event, as Morante is considered a towering figure in modern bullfighting. For Palacio, the opportunity to perform alongside him is both an honor and a challenge. In recent interviews, Palacio reflected on the journey that brought him to this point. “I’ve been living this first season as a matador with a lot of excitement,” he said shortly before performing in Huesca. “During the winter, there were doubts. Everyone knows that after taking the alternative, there is often a period of waiting, and the opportunities you get must be seized. I was in that situation, and each afternoon had to be treated as if it were my last.” Despite the initial uncertainty, Palacio has managed to build a solid foundation, having performed in over ten bullfights since becoming a matador. His success has not gone unnoticed. Fans have increasingly turned up to watch him fight, and social media engagement has grown significantly. Palacio attributes part of this attention to the quality of his performances, which he believes have exceeded expectations. “I didn’t imagine that my first season would be so beautiful and good,” he admitted. “I think I’ll finish with a number of bullfights that will be impressive for being my first year, and not just because of the quantity, but also because of the sensations and what I’m doing in front of the bull.” When asked whether sensations or victories carry more weight early in a career, Palacio emphasized balance. “There should be equilibrium,” he said. “Triumphs can come quickly, and cutting ears is valuable, but it’s also important not to focus solely on fighting when the bull is good and then it’s over. There has to be a balance. What I enjoy is trying to fight well, trying to fight slower every day. That’s what I train for, and I believe victory can be sought every day through that path.” As the date of his performance in Madrid approaches, anticipation continues to grow. Palacio’s journey from a relatively unknown bullfighter to a rising star in the sport has been marked by dedication, consistency, and a clear vision of what he wants to achieve. With Morante by his side, the stage is set for what promises to be a memorable night in the world of bullfighting.